Drinker Biddles Wellness Program Profiled in Washington Lawyer

For its January/February 2020 feature article “The Art of Wellness: Law Firms Get Creative,” Washington Lawyer interviewed Washington, D.C. regional partner in charge Maureen Hardwick for information about the firm’s wellness program and offerings. The article profiles D.C. law firms’ creative takes on employee wellness programs designed to combat substance abuse and mental health disorders within the legal industry.

Following closely after the American Bar Association’s 2017 National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being, which shone a bright light on the seriousness of issues involving substance abuse and mental health disorders within the legal community, Drinker Biddle established its firm-wide wellness program, Well-Being 360.

Hardwick told the publication that shortly thereafter the firm’s D.C. office began offering meditation classes on Monday mornings. “It’s a great way to start the week,” she said. Adding that “It’s one of those things you need to practice. You bring it into everyday practice and access it when you need it the most.”

The firm also holds weekly yoga classes and fun runs, and offers workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and substance abuse.

Hardwick also expressed hope that a holistic way of thinking become a prominent part of all attorneys’ lives, adding that pro bono lawyers especially should have access to wellness benefits. She told Washington Lawyer that she hopes to include pro bono lawyers in Drinker Biddle programs and is “grateful to have them as resources.”

Read the full profile here.